NATO has approved the expansion of the Cold War-era fuel pipeline system towards Eastern Europe / This is the largest investment in the history of the Alliance, and Romania will be among the beneficiaries

NATO has approved an agreement worth 27 billion euros for the modernization of the military fuel transport system of the Alliance, which dates back to the Cold War era and will thus be extended towards Eastern Europe, including Romania.

"The Council officially approved today the NATO program plan regarding fuel supply chain capabilities. This investment of 27 billion euros will modernize NATO's existing fuel storage and distribution infrastructure. It will support the creation of new facilities – including pipelines – in the eastern and southeastern parts of the Alliance and will ensure NATO forces have the necessary energy resources to maintain combat readiness," shows a NATO statement.

The 32 ambassadors of NATO countries approved the agreement – part of the preparations for a potential conflict with Russia – during their last regular meeting before the summer vacation, two NATO diplomats stated.

The approval came after Turkey abandoned a last-minute attempt to delay the adoption in order to secure funding priority for its own infrastructure projects. Turkey was also concerned that the development of the project would increase Greece's strategic profile, a country through which a significant part of the new military infrastructure is set to be developed.

The current pipeline network, which is 10,000 kilometers long, was built during the Cold War, crosses 12 countries, and largely ends in western Germany.

Bloomberg reported in June that the project, which will become the largest investment in NATO's history, will primarily benefit Poland, the Baltic states, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

We remind that the head of state was put in a bind at the summit in Ankara when he was asked if Romania is ready to take on a commitment regarding the expansion of the NATO pipeline system.

"The system of...?" he asked. "Should these pipelines really come from Turkey?" a voice from the room responded. "For supply or for what?" Nicușor asked once again.

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NATO, close to an agreement for the expansion of the fuel pipeline system towards Eastern Europe / The issue put Nicușor Dan in a bind at the summit in Ankara